The Rhätische Bahn (RhB) reported an 11% increase in passenger-kilometres for the first ten months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Passenger traffic on the Berninalinie has grown by 71% over the past three years. Some trains on weekends were running beyond full capacity. RhB staff across booking, station, and onboard services have been under increased strain to manage the passenger volumes.
Between January and October 2025, the Bernina Express carried 416,220 passengers—13% more than the same timeframe in 2024 (369,050). Compared to the pre-pandemic record year of 2019, this represents a 68% increase. In response, RhB upgraded the panoramic coaches through a soft refurbishment, which included more luggage space, new wood-style interiors, updated carpets and seat cushions, and technical improvements like socket outlets at each seat.
Bookings for the Glacier Express were up 8% year-on-year and approached full capacity limits more closely than in 2024.
Despite high demand and construction-related disruptions, RhB improved overall punctuality by five percentage points to 90.6% between January and October 2025. On the Albula mainline, punctuality rose to 78.7%, while the Bernina line reached 86.6%, up six percentage points from the previous year.
Plans for rolling stock renewal and faster connections
RhB presented its long-term plans for the Bernina Line as part of its 2040 development framework. These include new dual-voltage articulated trainsets that will gradually replace the current fleet and are expected to provide additional seating and reduce travel times. The service frequency will also increase. The proposed half-hourly connections between St. Moritz, Poschiavo, and Tirano could run up to 30 minutes faster, with improved connections to Milan.
In the opposite direction, direct services every two hours between the Puschlav valley, Pontresina, and Chur are planned. RhB also intends to integrate the Bernina Express into the regular timetable and introduce new panorama cars. These developments are subject to approval from Swiss federal and cantonal authorities.
2026 timetable changes and new seat reservation option
From the timetable change on 14 December 2025, a new optional seat reservation will be introduced on the Bernina Line’s regional services. Priced at CHF 5 (approx. EUR 5.20), it will be available on Allegra trainsets.
Changes will also affect the RegioExpress RE9 between St. Moritz and Tirano. Due to Italian safety regulations on the 800-metre urban section in Tirano, speed is reduced to 15 km/h. As this uses up the existing timetable buffer, RhB will skip stops at Campocologno (in both directions) and Li Curt (previously a request stop towards St. Moritz) on all RE9 services. Exceptions include trains RE9 1636 and 1649, which will continue to stop in Campocologno with adjusted timings.
